WYAAP Hosts Manila Screening of the Manhattan International Film Festival

Last July 4, 2013 marked the first Manila Screening of the Manhattan International Film Festival organized by the WYA Asia Pacific office. The event took place at the School of Design and Arts Cinema of De La Salle College of St. Benilde (CSB) at Malate Manila. The program was divided into two. The public screening, which started at 1pm and showcased 6 short films from the Asia-Pacific Region namely: True School by Li-da Hsu (Taiwan), Thief by Jay Chern (Taiwan), When It Rains at Home by Chee Yong Lim (Malaysia) and 3 other films from the Philippines. The evening screening was graced by 3 young Filipino directors who were finalists at WYA festival and whose work were shown at the United Nations

The event was well attended by students from various schools including representatives from the University of the Philippines Diliman, De La Salle University Manila, Assumption College, PAREF Woodrose, Miriam College, Baliuag University, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina and CSB. In addition, film enthusiasts who wanted to catch films showcasing artful contemplations and deeper understanding of human condition were also in attendance.

The Filipino directors Adrielle Estaban (Tanglaw), Inshallah Montero (Man of Squares) and Greg Rodriguez lll (Mami) were able to shed light and discuss the underlying messages and advocacies their films were aiming to portray at the open forum portion of the event. When asked, most of the attendees had their personal favorites among the list of films and some even had a hard time choosing one since each film was compelling in its own way.

The night screening was capped off with light-hearted discussion of the films. This was truly a celebration of culture. This event served as one proof that young people today are creative and have great passion for the arts.

Special thanks to our sponsors who were able to contribute immensely to the event’s success: Our media partner Businessworld, University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication and the Digital Filmmaking Department of De La Salle College of St. Benilde.

If you wish to work with WYAAP for future cultural events, you may email asiapacific@wya.net.